Govt Targets Faster Internet Rollout With Major Telecom Law Overhaul

The federal government has proposed major changes to Pakistan’s telecom laws that could make it faster and easier to expand internet and mobile networks across the country, while also tightening government oversight of telecom regulators and state-run institutions.

If approved, the proposed Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) (Amendment) Act, 2026, would allow telecom companies to roll out fiber cables and mobile towers more quickly, reduce bureaucratic delays, and improve how key telecom bodies like the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) are managed.

The government says the changes are aimed at supporting digital growth and strengthening governance in the telecom sector.

The amendments update the existing Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996 to reflect new technological, regulatory, and governance needs, with a particular focus on speeding up nationwide digital infrastructure deployment.

Under the proposed law, important governance powers related to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have been revised. The federal government would now determine the remuneration of the PTA chairman and members. PTA’s financial operations would also be brought under the Public Finance Management Act, 2019, a step intended to improve transparency, accountability, and financial discipline within the regulator.

A key part of the amendment focuses on strengthening Right of Way (RoW) rules, which directly affect how quickly telecom infrastructure can be built. Licensed operators would be given a clear legal right to access public and private land for installing, operating and maintaining fiber networks and telecom towers.

The law introduces automatic approval after 21 days if no response is received, bans any charges for land access, and prevents authorities from withdrawing legally granted access without justification.

To reduce disputes and delays, the amendment sets up an enforcement and complaint resolution system under the relevant government authority. This system includes fixed timelines for resolving disputes and allows penalties, including fines of up to one million rupees, for anyone who blocks, delays or refuses lawful access to telecom infrastructure.

The proposed legislation also reforms the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) by aligning it with the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Act, 2023.

The NTC board would be restructured to include more independent private-sector members, require female representation, and clearly separate the roles of chairman and managing director. The changes also introduce mandatory online disclosures and stronger board oversight of management.

In addition, a statutory managing director position would be formally created for NTC through a transparent and competitive appointment process. The role would have a defined tenure, a performance review system, and accountability requirements. The amendment also makes the State-Owned Enterprises Act, 202,3 applicable to telecom institutions, with its provisions taking priority in case of any conflict.

The government says the proposed changes are designed to speed up digital infrastructure development, improve institutional governance, and support long-term growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.